Race 7 - Day 23
Crew Diary - Race 7 Day 23: Whitsundays to Sanya
22 February
This is excruciating!!
Here we are, 130 nautical miles from the finish line and it still feels like the race could be anyone's! Our hours are spent painstakingly agonising over how we can increase our boat speed, get a better course to the finish line, and pouring over the latest position results to see what our competitors are up to. Every six hours we get a debrief from Matt as to whom we have gained on, and who we have lost to. The helm is constantly bombarded with requests for knowledge of our boat speed, wind angle and VMG (speed we are making directly towards our destination). And the cockpit team have constant neck ache from gazing up at the spinnaker whilst constantly tweaking the trim to improve boat speed.
Whilst this makes for uncomfortable sailing with anxiety levels at an all time high (!) it does make our experience incredibly exciting. Having been at sea for 25 days, sailed 4,200 miles and with only 24 hours left, we have very little idea in which position we might finish. Rest assured we are doing everything we can including many an offering to King Neptune in an attempt to improve our fortune. (Gary is now sporting a handle bar moustache for example.)
Life below deck generally revolves around getting ready for port. The Mothers are currently “tidying” up our food reserves. However, it is worrying when the Skipper walks into the galley and asks “is that the slops bucket or is that what we're eating?” The response from one of the Mothers... “it will be fine under red light”. Conversation amongst the crew has definitely turned to onshore antics. Where can we get our first tequila? Where is the nearest karaoke bar? Which restaurant will serve the best chicken feet? Much to look forward to in Sanya.
So whilst “wind hole” is the 'swear' word of the week, we are all in good spirits and looking forward to a beer, shower and a proper bed. What our destiny is we don't know, but it has genuinely been a great race. I would say its been one of my favourites yet. We've had a great team, lots of laugh out loud moments and many memories for years to come. A podium finish would just be the cherry on the cake.
Mum, Dad...counting down the days. Can't wait to see you. Love you both very much.
Smiling, as always.
Jenny xxx